Growing up, my upbringing emphasized a traditional path to success: pursue higher education, secure a job in your field, start a family, buy a house, and have children. This narrative was passed down from my parents and echoed by the high school guidance counselor as the formula for a fulfilling life. In 2016, as I neared the end of my second year studying biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph, I was on track to follow this prescribed route.
After the academic year ended, my plan for the summer was to land an engineering job to enhance my resume. Despite unsuccessful attempts in Ontario, I unexpectedly found employment at a horseback trail riding outfit in Banff National Park. This deviation from my planned trajectory surprised me, but my childhood experience riding horses on our family farm in southern Ontario reassured me of my capability to excel in this role.
In Banff, I embraced the opportunity to explore the rugged Rockies on horseback, fulfilling my childhood dream of mountain riding. As a guide, I led guests through pine forests, drove horse-drawn wagons along the pristine Bow River, and guided visitors to elk-populated wildflower meadows.
My perspective on a fulfilling life shifted. I learned to appreciate the simple joys, like serene mornings before bustling days or the gratitude of living in a picturesque environment. This newfound outlook encompassed not only idyllic moments but also enduring a strenuous 16-hour workday in the rain, with the promise of warmth by a fire and a comforting cup of tea post-shift.
Engaging in seasonal work introduced me to remarkable individuals who left a lasting impact. I encountered peers in their late twenties taking career breaks, international travelers funding their journeys through seasonal employment, and full-time seasonal workers transitioning between summer and winter jobs. These diverse friendships reshaped my definition of a rewarding life.
The bonds forged during my time as a trail guide were unparalleled. Living, working, and sharing meals with colleagues round-the-clock for months created profound and enduring connections. Some of my closest friends today are individuals I met in Banff, like Katie and Phil from Australia, who visited my family home in Utopia, Ont., for a memorable Canadian Christmas in 2016.
Navigating the transient nature of seasonal work posed challenges, particularly bidding farewell to friends after intense periods together. Despite the emotional toll of parting ways, these experiences underscored the myriad paths to personal success and the significance of surrounding oneself with positivity and goodness.
My journey deviated further from the conventional as I pursued my cowgirl aspirations at a ranch in Cranbrook, B.C., post-graduation. Although my career choice initially raised concerns among family members, they eventually recognized the value of my exploratory experiences across Canada and the enduring friendships I cultivated.
Currently employed in international sales, a role that enables continued exploration and travel, I credit my seasonal work background for instilling the confidence to pursue this path. While I appreciate my present career, the allure of returning to a simpler life among mountains and horses occasionally beckons.
Reflecting on my past self, who would have lamented deviating from the engineering field, I now cherish the life I’ve crafted by following my passions. Success, to me, lies in embracing diverse experiences, challenging oneself, and reveling in the joy of discovery—a lesson I gleaned from my seasonal work adventures.
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